wind energy?

3 Comments

1. Skeptic says:

   September 18, 2009 at 2:13 am

   1. what the source is:
   The source is solar energy heating the atmosphere, earth, and water.

   2. how is it produced:
   Wind is captured by windmills. Modern windmills for energy generation almost always three blades. the rotation of the blades rotates an electric generator to produce electric current.

   3. how far away we are from using this source
   We are using it today. As the cost of oil increases, it will become economically viable without government support. See "Peak Oil" for information about the economics of an important source of energy, oil.

   4. where can it be used
   It can be used in windy places such as near the western coast of the United States.

   5. why it is a good alternative to current fossil fuels
   Fossil fuels cannot be produced in the future at rates that meet the demand at current prices. Fossil fuel production is the same from year to year. Demand for energy is increasing every year at current prices. Also, fossil fuels contribute to carbon dioxide emissions (a greenhouse gas) that causes global warming. Over a period of 100 years, we expect that the ocean levels will rise 20 feet. We also expect climate change that will result in failed crops and massive starvation.

   The future will see huge and drastic increases in energy prices. Wind energy is very cost effective when compared to other renewable energy sources. However, hydroelectric may be more cost effective (although we cannot produced enough hydroelectric energy).

   By the way, nuclear energy is not viable. Uranium miners have died because of radiation exposure. Numerous reported and unreported releases of radioactive gases from facilities. Storage of depleted uranium is a problem that is hugely expensive and has not been solved. Containers of radioactive waste leak and are a terrorist target. Nuclear power is not viable because of the risks. Investors will implement new plants only with government subsidies and warrantees against liabilities. Under those circumstances, would you like to be a uranium miner or would you like to have a power plant in your back yard?
2. wwjd77488 says:

   September 18, 2009 at 2:13 am

   1. Beans
   2. Flatulance
   3. Present
   4. Anywhere
   5. For some it is never-ending

   Real answers my friend, you need to research yourself. It is your education and your life. One day you will be glad that you did your own work…that is unless you prefer to live on welfare your entire life…SHRUG
3. Steph G says:

   September 18, 2009 at 2:13 am

   Funny you should ask – we are converting to this form of energy, possibly with solar panels, too. PA is looking at huge increases in electricity costs in 2009, and we have a furnace that runs on fuel oil, so we need to save $$. The source of wind energy is wind. It is produced by wind turning the blades on a windmill and that cranks a turbine, making (DC) current that goes into a battery to "hold" it. Since it is DC power and all our appliances and such run on alternating current (AC), you need something called an inverter to "convert" it to usable fuel. This is already being used in the USA (except in Cape Cod where idiots like Ted Kennedy protest because the windmills ’spoil his view’ while yachting), particularly along the Great Lakes and other coasts. It can be used anywhere there is wind. We live in farming country among the Amish, and they are known for their windmills that pump water (since they don’t use electricity). It’s a fantastic alternative, because there is almost always air current and it’s completely clean – no risking lives to mine or drill, no burning, no exhaust, always available.

   If you’re interested, just to get "into it" you can order a kit to build a small windmill and turbine, along with some neat experiments from www. picoturbine. com (no spaces). I homeschool and this is how my kids and I chose to learn how this works.

   Good luck!!!